Chapter 1088: Chapter 1029: "Saint Rania’s Life" Is a Forgery
Determining the supreme status of the "Gospel" is a shared intention among the Divine Essence Sect, Reform Sect, and Holy Sect.
For Grandiva, affirming that the "Gospel" cannot be altered is to gain an advantage in the upcoming debates.
From what the spies have revealed, the Holy Alliance is secretly engaging in activities of scriptural suspicion, under the pretense of authentication.
If they use the means of scriptural suspicion to derive grounds for attacking their theory, it would cause significant trouble.
At that point, "the Gospel cannot be altered" can be used to slap them in the face.
Grandiva proudly pulled out a peacock feather fan, confidently fanning himself and looked towards Horn.
Hmm? What’s with the Demon Monk’s expression?
Horn considered his expression as losing composure.
This was supposed to be his line, how did Grandiva steal the spotlight?
He hadn’t even set a trap, yet Grandiva seemed to have dug a pit and jumped into it himself.
Meanwhile, as Horn was desperately trying to maintain his composure, the statements from both sides gradually spread outside through the monks present.
The so-called Great Council is actually just representatives from various church sects gathering to jointly discuss Miseria doctrine.
However, this time the Bolon Great Council is significantly different from the past.
Leaving aside the definition issue of the Holy Alliance, merely the church representatives present are unprecedentedly numerous.
A total of three thousand church representatives, from various levels of monasteries and local churches, almost encompassing all small clerical groups.
If the Blood and Flesh Royal Court sent several Vampire Dukes to infiltrate, they could essentially capture the entire Imperial Church.
Such a gathering couldn’t even fit within the main hall of the Bolon Cathedral.
Some representatives had to stay outside, relaying internal debates and situations to the outside.
So essentially it’s a dual debate, with a small debate inside and a large debate outside.
However, the intensity should be comparable, as even before it began, both inside and outside were already in chaos.
"Freedom! Labor! Equality!"
"Wrong, God is the standard for man!"
"There should be no Pope!"
"Horn the Demon Monk and four witches are causing trouble, I want to report, I have evidence!"
Following the sharp calls for silence from the ceremony officer, and the efforts of the Imperial Guard and Falan Kingdom guards, the venue finally quieted down.
After the initial formalities ended, the debate session finally began.
According to past Great Council processes, the first step is for the Monastic Monks to read out both sides’ "false claims".
Then, each side appoints debaters to argue and defend their positions.
As for Xie Li at this moment, serving as a prize, he sat uneasily on a chair in the center of the two rows.
Behind four semi-circular long tables, the front three rows consisted of Archbishops and Abbots from various places.
They wore scarlet and black-purple robes, with triangular hats, and maintained a solemn demeanor.
Behind them were representatives: Bishops, Priests, and Monks, mostly in black robes with white shawls.
These representatives are arranged according to the importance of their diocese.
Dioceses from the Golden Plains often sit in the front rows, while those from Storm Cape, Red Leaf Hill, or Thorn Garden are relegated to the back rows.
Some newly established by Norn, even retaining dual faith clerics, have no seats!
Representatives from places like the windmill grounds Limbston and Swensen usually receive a minor divine rank due to their low status.
They also have no seats and the sole benefit is that Horn had prepared small stools for them to rest.
Limbston watched the reading inside the venue and asked Matisse beside him, "Did Gallar respond?"
"No."
"Still no response?" Limbston frowned.
Logically, debaters in the Great Council can be any monk from the front rows, but traditionally, they speak last.
Among them, those in charge of charging and attacking the opponent are the debaters each side nominated.
On the Falan side, there are nine debaters, all eloquent theologians or bishops.
But for the Holy Alliance side, apart from their relatively respected Armand, Rang Buluo and Thomas are unknowns.
Three against nine? Can they manage?
"Seems like a certain someone won’t secure a debater spot," Swensen chimed in sarcastically, "I told you, don’t include your personal agenda in the documents, a proper selection would surely have gotten you in."
"Priests write truthfully, and regarding beliefs, they won’t yield even a single word," Limbston said, though internally doubtful and regretful.
Your Eminence, what exactly are you planning?
Before the semi-circular long tables, the debate scene was set, with debaters from both sides required to speak on-site.
The reading Priest formally began reading both opposing claims from the list.
Reading once is enough to understand.
Horn’s side asserts that all believers are priests, while Grandiva’s side maintains that the church is an indispensable intermediary between believers and God.
Horn’s side accuses intermediaries of deceit and indulgences, while Grandiva believes suffering is a gift from the Holy Father to mortals.
Horn’s side insists mortals should have independent will and power, Grandiva’s side believes mortals are pawns of the Holy Father, predetermined.
Horn advocates the Holy Father created the world and ceased interference, while Grandiva claims the Saint Master continually intervenes.
Basically, Horn supports whatever Grandiva opposes.
Ignoring the flashy topics, the core remains three points.
